Royal Caribbean Cruises

Since being founded back in the late 1960s, Royal Caribbean has become the world’s second-largest cruise line – and owns the largest cruise ship currently in commission today. “Grand” and “massive” are just two terms that come to mind when one thinks of Royal Caribbean, which has eschewed trends toward smaller, more intimate ships by producing ever larger ones. From exciting on board activities to some of the best entertainment options in the world of cruises today, Royal Caribbean is a natural choice for a wide range of different people. Although the Caribbean is – naturally – its bread and butter, Royal Caribbean also offers itineraries that span the globe.

What’s New

Royal Caribbean is always working on ways to keep cruises fresh and exciting for its passengers. Like so many other cruise lines, Royal Caribbean has been experimenting with a flexible dining option on a handful of its ship. The “My Time Dining” program has been successful enough that Royal Caribbean plans to unveil it on its entire fleet over the next year or two. Under this plan, passengers enjoy a lot more flexibility when it comes to dinnertime. Also, as trends around the world are turning toward smoke-free environments, Royal Caribbean has made a few small concessions; no smoking is allowed in staterooms and suites, for example, but people may light up on their balconies. Finally, every ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet has one lounge that is designated as completely smoke-free.

Known For

When it comes to Royal Caribbean, massive ships and larger-than-life entertainment options are par for the course. Consider these key characteristics:

Royal Promenade

Passengers on board Royal Caribbean ships can enjoy street performers and parades along the Royal Promenade. Indeed, no other fleet of ships boasts this particular feature, which helps lend a purely festive atmosphere to the Royal Caribbean name. The Royal Promenade serves as an excellent gathering point, and is a natural spot to congregate and enjoy live action entertainment.

Exceptional Entertainment

By cruising on a Royal Caribbean ship, you can combine all of the fun of a roster of live Las Vegas-style shows with the topnotch amenities and services of a cruise ship. Royal Caribbean boasts some of the best entertainment options around, and their massive productions are sure to keep even the most demanding and finicky passengers happy.

Exciting Activities

Mini-golf, surfing, rock climbing – and much more – all converge to make Royal Caribbean a cruise line that offers some of the most active entertainment options in the world. Those who don’t enjoy simply lounging around will find more than enough to keep them occupied when sailing on one of the Royal Caribbean ships.

Franchise Restaurants

Many Royal Caribbean ships offer franchise fast food restaurants, giving passengers just one more way to keep satisfied when it comes to food. Sorrento Pizza and Johnny Rockets are just two of the most popular examples of what you can find on a Royal Caribbean ship.

Top Itineraries

Western Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is, naturally, well known for its Caribbean cruises. Their Western Caribbean itineraries usually feature stops at ports of call like St. Maarten, Belize, Freeport and Grand Cayman.

Bermuda

Royal Caribbean offers some of the best Bermudas itineraries in the world. Passengers can explore popular ports of call like Charlotte Amalie, King’s Wharf and Curacao along the way.

Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is one of Royal Caribbean’s most unforgettable itineraries. Ships make stops at places like Cristobal, Puerto Limon, the Panama Canal, Aruba and Grand Cayman.

Mediterranean

Royal Caribbean does venture outside of the Caribbean; its Mediterranean itineraries are perennial favorites. Stops at ports of call such as the Canary Islands, Gibraltar, Corsica, Mallorca and Crete all help makes these unforgettable journeys.

The Fleet

Liberty Of The Seas

As a member of Royal Caribbean’s massive Freedom class of ships, the Liberty of the Seas has a huge number of things to offer its passengers. The H2O Zone water park will keep the younger crowd entertained, for instance, while the adults can try their hand at surfing at sea on the Flowrider. An on board Ben & Jerry’s also tempts passengers with delectable ice cream treats.

Voyager Of The Seas

For those who enjoy living active lifestyles, the Voyager of the Seas is a natural choice. Dance lessons, rock climbing and a steady stream of parades along the Royal Promenade will keep you on your toes. A revolving arcade called Spinners and a four-deck high roulette tower will also keep passengers of all ages busy and charmed.

Enchantment of the Seas

Whether you choose to soak up some sun on one of the most gorgeous sun decks at sea – or if you just feel like enjoying views of the sea at the Oasis bar – the Enchantment of the Seas is a wonderful choice. Although there is not a regular buffet on board, the alternative – the Windjammer Marketplace – is a food court that boasts some of the most eclectic and delicious meals around.

Oasis of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s newest ship – which will debut in the summer of 2010 – is going in a whole new direction. One exciting point? The ship will be divided up into several distinct “neighborhoods,” each offering a different theme and atmosphere. The Oasis will be the largest cruise ship in the world when it sets sail, and it is sure to make a wonderful addition to the Royal Caribbean fleet.